(np) 1. Physical forces that are completely
described by Maxwell's equations (classically) or by QED (quantum
mechanically). [den., science] 2. Weird, eerie, otherworldly forces
capable of doing any thing at any time for any reason. [conn., Ted
Holden]

(n) 1. The
typographical symbols "...", "....", "...?", etc., which in a quotation indicate an
intentional omission of words,
an abrupt change of thought, a lapse of time, or an incomplete
statement. The four-character forms are used when the omission extends
to the end of the sentence. Brackets should be used if
confusion as to the source of the "..." (the original material, or the
person making the quote) may occur, as "[...]". 2. In the publications
of certain groups, an almost certain indicator of misquotation; cf. ICR.

* (n) 1. S =
k*ln(w); where S is entropy, ln is the natural logarithm operator, k is
Boltzmann's constant (1.38E-23 J/K), and w is the number of quantum
states in the system. 2. A mysterious and arcane technical factor that
discredits evolution(3)
utterly. [conn., SciCre] 3.
Symbol for a measure of information content in strings forwarded by
Claude E. Shannon on the advice of John Von Neumann: "Call it
'entropy'; no one knows what that is, so you won't be questioned about
it." [entropy(3) etymology via
Karl Pribram, personal communication.]

(n) 1. The
worldwide Communist - Satanist - Free-Silver - Unionist - Sadist
supersecret cabal and conspiracy to remove morals and respect for God
from human society using biological science concepts that very few
people understand anyway. At the last announcement, it cost $20
(payable to Ybloc Sirhc)
just to get the membership application information to join the
conspiracy. One wonders how this plot can succeed where Envy, Pride,
Sloth, Gluttony, Avarice, Lust, and the other one no one remembers
failed to do the trick.

(n) [FAQ] 1.
Change in allele frequency in a population over time. [den., science]
This denotation is phenomenological, that is, it represents the minimum
phenomenon which biologists will, when questioned, admit fits the term
"evolution" and cannot be covered completely under "adaptation",
"variation", or the like. It is also inclusive, that is, all
evolutionary phenomena can be recognized by the means described in the
denotation. This denotation does not make reference to or implications
about evolutionary processes. The means by which the allele frequency
changes occur are the subjects of a number of EMTs, such as natural selection and genetic drift. See Chris
Colby's Evolution Primer and Larry Moran's essays for details. 2. The
descent of all living organisms from a common ancestor or a relatively
small set of common ancestors. [den., science] This is the non-
reductionist formulation of evolution(1). 3. Changes in
adaptation and diversity in populations of organisms. [den., Ernst Mayr] Often forwarded in
preference to evolution(1) by
certain people. 4. The belief that all life originated, complexified,
and diversified via chance mutations and descent as a random
process. This (erroneous) connotation is quite common in the USA.
[conn., TAE]

(np) 1. Any one of several theories(1) in biology dealing
explicitly with some aspect of evolution or cumulative
evolution(cumulative
selection). Examples include Sewall Wright's "shifting-balance
theory", Eldredge and Gould's "punctuated equilibrium theory", the
theory of common descent, Darwin's "descent with modification", and
Henry Fairfield Osborn's "orthogenesis". While "evolutionary theory" is
equivalent, the point that mechanisms are proposed and tested in EMTs is worthy of stress and
repetition.

* (n)
1. One who is active in research of one or more EMTs, or who applies one or more EMTs in their research or occupation.
[den., science] 2. Anyone supportive of or in agreement with one or
more EMTs. [conn., laypeople] 3.
Uniformitarian BS
artist. [conn., Ted Holden] 4. One who derides others' beliefs and is
rude. [conn., Joe Morlan, added by request]